Abstract

   With the development and improvement of Systemic Functional Linguistics, more and more scholars both at home and overseas are all interested in studying the theory, especially on the aspect of studying the function. In this thesis, the author mainly applies mood and modality to analyze the story Oliver Twist written by Charles Dickens, and then to disclose the traits of characters, the relationship between characters, and help the readers have a deeper understanding of the story. From the analysis of the mood, it can be clearly seen that Nancy is a girl who always associates with evil elements, but still has the sense of justice. And Mr. Grimwing is a fantast, while Monks is crafty and cunning. On the perspective of modality analysis, the reader can realize Rose is a kind girl; to friends, she is willing to give a hand; to lover, she is selfless. With regard to Oliver, he is a kind, lovely, righteous person with sentiment and justice. In the meanwhile, the reader can have a better understanding of the implication that Dickens wants to express, and consequently appreciate his writing style and charm of language.

Key Words:  Interpersonal Function  Oliver Twist  mood  modality 

摘  要

随着系统功能语言学的不断发展与完善，越来越多的国内外学者热衷于该理论的研究,尤其对功能方面的研究。本文中作者主要从语气、情态两个方面对查尔斯•狄更斯的小说《雾都孤儿》进行分析，旨在揭示小说中人物的性格特征，人与人之间的关系，以及帮助读者加深对小说的理解。通过语气的分析，可以清楚地了解到南希是个经常与邪恶为伍但却有着正义感的女孩。格林维格先生脾气古怪，蒙克斯狡猾奸诈。从情态分析角度，读者能意识到露丝是一愿意对朋友伸出援助之手，对爱情无私奉献的善良女孩。至于奥列弗，他善良、可爱、正直且有情有义。于此同时，读者能更好地了解狄更斯所要表达的含义，从而进一步欣赏狄更斯的写作风格和语言魅力。

关键词：人际功能 《雾都孤儿》 语气  情态

1 Introduction
Language, as a useful and practical tool, is the product of person’s activities in society. And being served as the tool for people to use in social intercourse, Systemic Functional Linguistics(SFL) undertakes a variety of functions. SFL was first founded by M.A.K.Halliday and it has had a history which is more than 40 years. Interpersonal function is one of the three functions of SFL, and it can give the readers a better understanding of the characters and literature works.